Henan Pan-Fried Stuffed Flatbread

Name: Henan Pan-Fried Stuffed Flatbread
Total time: 1 h 50 min
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup warm water; 1 teaspoon instant yeast; 1 pound ground pork; 4 stalks scallions, finely chopped; 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce; 1 tablespoon light soy sauce; 1 teaspoon five-spice powder; 1/2 teaspoon Chinese thirteen-spice blend; 1/4 cup plus more for frying vegetable oil; to taste salt

A rustic flatbread from China's Henan province featuring a savory pork and scallion filling, pan-fried until golden and crisp on the outside with a soft, fluffy interior. These make a satisfying breakfast or street food snack.

1h 50m

Medium

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Story

This rustic flatbread comes from Henan, China's central plains region. The dough can be made ahead and refrigerated overnight for easier handling. The key is using generous oil during cooking to achieve that irresistible golden crust.

Ingredients

all-purpose flour 3 cups

warm water 1 cup

instant yeast 1 teaspoon

ground pork 1 pound

scallions, finely chopped 4 stalks

dark soy sauce 2 tablespoons

light soy sauce 1 tablespoon

five-spice powder 1 teaspoon

Chinese thirteen-spice blend 1/2 teaspoon

vegetable oil 1/4 cup plus more for frying

salt to taste

Instructions

Make the dough

Combine flour, yeast, and a pinch of salt in a large bowl. Stir in warm water until a shaggy dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for about 8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover and let rest for 1 hour until doubled in size.

Prepare the filling

Mix ground pork with scallions, both soy sauces, five-spice powder, thirteen-spice blend, and salt. The mixture should be well combined and slightly wet. Set aside to let flavors meld while the dough rests.

Shape the flatbreads

Punch down dough and divide into 4 equal portions. Roll each into a circle about 6 inches wide. Spoon a quarter of the filling onto the center, then bring the edges up and pinch firmly to seal. Flatten gently with your palm.

Cook until golden

Heat about 2 tablespoons of oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place each flatbread seam-side down and cook 4-5 minutes until the bottom is deep golden. Flip, add more oil around the edges, and cook another 4-5 minutes. The internal temperature should reach 160°F.